Over 100 people attended GrassROOTS’ conference Think F.A.S.T: Girls Succeeding in Finance, Arts, Science and Technology at Central High School in Newark, New Jersey. The convening brought together New Jersey high school girls and their caregivers to identify, meet and learn from women of color in Fortune 500 companies who are innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in finance, arts, science and technology.

Guests heard from 13 women panelists who shared personal accounts of their journey to achieving success in these fast growing industries.

City of Newark’s Mayor Ras J. Baraka delivered opening remarks encouraging girls to stay focused and pursue their desired dreams. Central High School Principal Sharnee Brown followed and advised girls to use good judgement and not be barriers to their own success.

In preparation for the conference the GrassROOTS team held planning sessions with 15 Central High School girls, grades 9-12. The girls played an integral role at the event by serving as panel moderators and leading the town hall session.

GrassROOTS SuperGirls Society members, girls in 2nd-7th grade, served as event reporters and video production team with the support of EMackqulent Productions.

Think F.A.S.T was made possible with the generous support from our sponsor the Arbonne Charitable Foundation and community partners: Newark Public Schools, Central High School, Principal Sharnee Brown, Newark Arts Council, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, Seton Hall University, City of Newark Youth Employment, DJ Scotty Nevers, photographer Ra Hall and a host of volunteers.

GrassROOTS is grateful for our panelists for making the event a huge success.

GrassROOTS Community Foundation (GCF) is a public health and social action organization that works to mobilize community action and offset economic disadvantage. GCF was co-founded by Dr. Janice Johnson Dias and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, lead MC of the Grammy Award winning group, The Roots.
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Our mission is to create a world where all girls grow up to be healthy women.